The Bleacher Bums: August 8, 2005 Archive

The 2005 Twins season opened with innocence and optimism. A fourth straight AL Central title was basically taken for granted and Our Little Team that Could was even a chic World Series pick. In short, things were so warm and fuzzy that some quirky goofball named Corky got some major league at bats.

By the All Star break however, panic had set in. The White Sox were running away with the division and couldn’t be counted on for another second half collapse. The local squad’s offense meanwhile, was a disaster. The team was crying for help. Instead, it got The Bret.

Its understandably hard for an athlete to admit he’s lost it, but it was clear to Bret Boone’s current employer that he had. The Mariners designated the de-muscularitized second baseman for assignment before dumping him on the Twins.

The Bret, with his frosted tips and unjustified ego, boasted of a possible 19 homerun, 60 RBI second half. Instead he hit .170 in 14 games and was given his unconditional release. Welcome to the broadcast booth Bret!

So here we are with our plucky Twins clinging to the fringe of the Wild Card race. Since a playoff birth isn't likely (a 10-15% chance at best), here are some subplots to watch as the season winds down: Will Justin Morneau finish strong?, the maturation of Joe Mauer, Jacque Jones’ salary drive, a possible glimpse of top prospect Francisco Liriano (please), Jason Bartlett attempts to establish himself, a Corky call-up in September (pretty please), an audition for Scott Baker, (insert your idea here...)